Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba)

Other names: Jojoba California, Goatnut, Simondsia chinensis, Buxus chinensis, Jojobastrauch, Jojoba oil, Jojoba wax

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Simmondsia Chinensis, also known as Jojoba California, Goatnut, Simondsia chinensis, Buxus Chinensis, Jojobastrauch, Jojoba oil or Jojoba wax, is a shrubby plant native to the southwestern regions of North America. It bears fruits in the form of nuts, from which the so-called jojoba oil or wax is extracted. Although the name oil suggests that it is a fat, it is actually a mixture of long, liquid wax esters that are very stable and do not oxidize.

The bitter nuts of the jojoba were traditionally used as feed for cattle and wildlife, but today the main product of the plant is the aforementioned jojoba oil. This is obtained by pressing the nuts. Jojoba oil is not only very resistant to oxidation but also has a very close texture to the natural oils of the human skin. Thanks to this property, it is widely used in the cosmetics industry. It is a component of shampoos, conditioners, body creams, face masks, lip balms, make-up and many other products. In addition to cosmetics, jojoba oil is also used in the pharmaceutical industry in preparations for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases. But it's not just about skin care, jojoba oil is also used in the food industry as a dietary supplement due to its high nutritional value.